If you recite these words of the daimoku [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo] once, then the Buddha nature of all living beings will be summoned and gather around you. At that time the three bodies of the Dharma nature within you—the Dharma body, the reward body, and the manifested body[1]—will be drawn forth and become manifest. This is called attaining Buddhahood.
“Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 131
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo has the great beneficial power to summon the Buddha nature of all living beings. We are, therefore, also certain to be safeguarded by the Buddhas and protective functions throughout the universe.
Even if we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo only once for someone who is struggling with illness or other hardships—be it a loved one, fellow member or friend—it will touch that person’s life without fail. And as a result, we also gain the benefit of increasing our own life force.
Engaging in dialogue, based on daimoku, to realize the Daishonin’s ideal of “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land” is a noble endeavor. It not only activates the Buddha nature in our own and others’ lives, but also brings good fortune to pervade the lands in which we dwell.
Translated from the July 30, 2021 Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper.
References
- The Dharma body is the fundamental truth, or Law, to which a Buddha is enlightened. The reward body is the wisdom to perceive the Law. And the manifested body is the compassionate actions the Buddha carries out to lead people to happiness. ↩︎
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